The U.S. Department of Education recognized 353 schools as 2023 National Blue Ribbon Schools, 23 of which are public charter schools. According to the U.S. Department of Education, “The recognition is based on a school’s overall academic performance or progress in closing achievement gaps among student groups on assessments.” There are two performance categories: Exemplary High-Performing Schools and Exemplary Achievement Gap-Closing Schools.
“Congratulations to all 353 schools, and especially the 23 public charter schools, that earned this year’s National Blue Ribbon recognition,” said Nina Rees, President and CEO of the National Alliance for Public Charter Schools. “The purpose of introducing charter schools to the public education system more than 30 years ago was to close achievement gaps by providing a high-quality, public education to all students, especially those who have been historically underserved. The Blue Ribbon honor is a testament to the hard work and dedication of charter school leaders, teachers, families, and students across the US.”
The following charter schools were recognized as 2023 National Blue Ribbon Schools:
- Fronteras Charter School in Wasilla, Alaska
- Peabody Charter School in Santa Barbara, California
- San Jose Charter Academy in West Covina, California
- Sixth Street Prep in Victorville, California
- Parker Core Knowledge Charter School K-8 in Parker, Colorado
- Stamford Charter School for Excellence in Stamford, Connecticut*
- Roots Public Charter School in Washington, D.C.*
- Washington Global Public Charter School in Washington, D.C.*
- Alachua Learning Academy in Alachua, Florida
- Doral Academy of Technology Charter Middle School in Doral, Florida
- Hollywood Academy of Arts and Science in Hollywood, Florida
- St. Petersburg Collegiate High School in St. Petersburg, Florida
- The Children’s Reading Center in Palatka, Florida
- Benjamin Banneker Charter Public School in Cambridge, Massachusetts
- Sturgis Charter Public Schools in Hyannis, Massachusetts
- Cross Creek Charter Academy in Byron Center, Michigan
- Nova Classical Academy Upper School in Saint Paul, Minnesota*
- Princeton Charter School in Princeton, New Jersey
- Bronx Charter School for Excellence 2 in Bronx, New York
- Greensboro Academy in Greensboro, North Carolina
- Houston Gateway Academy Inc Elite College Prep in Houston, Texas
- IDEA Carver Academy in San Antonio, Texas*
*Denotes a school recognized as an Exemplary Achievement Gap Closing School. All others are Exemplary-High Performing Schools.
“The honorees for our 2023 National Blue Ribbon Schools Award have set a national example for what it means to Raise the Bar in education,” said U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona. “The leaders, educators, and staff at our National Blue Ribbon Schools continually inspire me with their dedication to fostering academic excellence and building positive school cultures that support students of all backgrounds to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.”
